Why does Sherlock Holmes from Watson look familiar? Here’s where we’ve seen the actor before

The hit medical drama Watson has returned to CBS for a second season with a major twist. Morris Chestnut stars as Dr. John Watson, who runs a clinic for rare disorders. He has built a new life a year after the supposed death of his partner. However, the story quickly changes when the detective reappears.

Fans are confused by the new face and end up wondering who plays Sherlock Holmes to Watson! The answer is Robert Carlyle, a Scottish actor with a long career.

Robert Carlyle brings intense energy to the cast of the show. Viewers recognize him from his famous roles in movies over the last thirty years. He played terrifying villains and lovable heroes. Let's look at his biggest roles to help you place his face.

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Sherlock Holmes from Watson: Robert Carlyle

The dark magic of Storybrooke

Robert Carlyle found a massive new audience in 2011. He played the character Rumpelstiltskin in the fantasy series Once Upon a Time. His character was also known as Mr. Gold in the modern world. He played this dual role for seven seasons. Fans loved his ability to be both a scary monster and a sympathetic man.

His performance was the heart of the show. He used a high-pitched voice and theatrical movements for the fairy tale version. He switched to a quiet and menacing tone for the modern scenes. This role proved he could handle complex characters who hide their true feelings. This skill serves him well as he steps into his new role in Watson.

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A breakout role in Trainspotting

Long before he was a wizard, Carlyle was famous for a much grittier role. He played Begbie in the 1996 film Trainspotting. Begbie was violent, unpredictable, and very scary. The movie became a cult classic, and Carlyle’s performance was a standout.

He returned to the role in 2017 for the sequel. He showed that he could still bring the same intensity twenty years later. He threw glasses and started fights just like before. This ability to play dangerous characters might hint at a darker version of the detective. It is a big change from the friendly image some have of the character.

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Stripping down in The Full Monty

Carlyle is not just known for villains and tough guys. He also showed his comedic side in The Full Monty. He played Gaz, a steelworker who lost his job. He forms a male striptease act to make money and see his son.

The film was a huge success and has won many awards. Carlyle won a BAFTA Award for his performance. The role required charm and vulnerability. It showed he could play a regular person facing hard times with humor. This range is why casting directors chose him when deciding who to play Sherlock Holmes in Watson.

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Facing Zombies and James Bond

His career includes big movies and television work. He played the villain Renard in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough. Renard was a terrorist who felt no pain because a bullet sat in his brain. He used cold control rather than brute force. Carlyle played him with a quiet focus, and this choice made Renard different from other villains.

He later appeared in the horror film 28 Weeks Later. This role showed a new side of his acting. He played Don, a father who made a terrible choice during a zombie outbreak. The opening scene is famous for tension, and Carlyle showed pure fear and guilt. The story became chaotic, but his acting kept the story real. These roles prove he can lead action scenes.

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A new chapter

Robert Carlyle adds serious star power to the show. His chemistry with Morris Chestnut will be central to the new season. The series focuses on medical mysteries, but the detective's return adds a personal conflict. The clinic is no longer a haven.

Carlyle played heroes and villains. He fits a version of the detective missing for a year. You can catch him in the new episodes on CBS. He changes the feeling of the show. Fans are eager to see who plays Sherlock Holmes in Watson, bring trouble to the doctor's life.